9 cases of monkeypox and one fatality from viral zoonosis have been documented in India so far. As a Global Public Health Emergency threatens the nation, which is now recuperating from a particularly severe Covid-19 outbreak, the Center has increased its vigilance and released amended recommendations.
The very first two cases of monkeypox detected in India—a pair who had just returned from the United Arab Emirates—were both infected with strain A.2, according to the most recent report on instances of the virus from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Interestingly, the strain A.2 is distinct from the type that is responsible for the alarming increase in cases of monkeypox in Europe.
The foreign returnees from the United Arab Emirates exhibited cervical lymphadenopathy, vesicular lesions on the vaginal region, fever, and myalgia. On the ninth post-illness day, the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs, EDTA blood, serum, urine, and lesion samples from numerous places were obtained from both patients.
Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox?
Monkeypox symptoms are identical to smallpox signs:
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Fever
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Headaches
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Muscle pain
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Fatigue
- Rashes/Blisters with pus
According to the CDC, a rash that resembles pimples and blisters packed with pus may also be present. It may manifest on any part of the body, including the face, hands, feet, genitalia, and mouth.
It's crucial to highlight that some patients' rashes are milder than others, according to the experts. According to NPR, some people only experienced a single lesion that may have been misinterpreted for a sign of syphilis or another sexually transmitted illness.
What you must know about the Monkeypox virus and outbreak in India?
1. Monkeypox=Smallpox
The same virus that causes smallpox, which is now completely wiped from the earth, also causes monkeypox. Both belong to the family Poxviridae's Orthopoxvirus genus. When outbreaks of a disease producing a pox were found in captive monkeys used for study, monkeypox was first identified. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where it was originally discovered in 1970, it is now endemic in Central and West Africa.
2020 witnessed 4,594 probable cases of monkeypox recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO), with 171 fatalities (case fatality ratio 3.7%). They are referred to as suspected since PCR testing, which is required for confirmation, is difficult to get in endemic locations.
2. Pustules all over the body
The majority of the time, symptoms appear five to thirteen days after infection, however it may take up to twenty-one days. Some of the early symptoms include fatigue, chills, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged muscles, headache, and fever. A rash often develops when a fever first manifests, focusing initially on the hands, feet, and face before spreading to other areas of the body. The eye, reproductive organs, and the inside of the mouth are possible sites of infection. When specific conditions are met, large pieces of skin may also slough off the body as the rash gets worse and a scab forms and falls off.
Symptoms frequently subside after a month, but one out of every ten instances might be deadly. Children are especially vulnerable.
3. Diagnostic Procedure
The WHO suggests getting a diagnosis when identification is necessary because many other conditions, such as chickenpox and measles, can also result in rashes. They claim that only PCR testing can accurately identify the virus as monkeypox since orthopoxviruses can produce antigens and antibodies that mirror those of other related viruses.
4. Transfer through close contact
Infectious wild animals like rats and monkeys found in the rainforests of Central and West Africa often transmit the virus to humans, although human-to-human transmission is also possible. Similar to viruses like Ebola, transmission only occurs when infected objects, such as contaminated bedding or clothing, come into contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or both.
5. No cure at the moment but there is a (very old) vaccination.
WHO does not currently propose a particular therapy for monkeypox, however antivirals like tecovirimat that are approved to fight orthopoxviruses do exist.
Years ago, the smallpox vaccine was essential to the eradication of smallpox, and it is 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. The first-generation smallpox vaccinations, however, are no longer offered to the general population. For the protection of smallpox and monkeypox, a more recent vaccination based on vaccinia was licensed in 2019, however it is also not yet widely accessible.
How can you safeguard yourself against monkeypox?
- The WHO encourages individuals to use caution when one cannot maintain some feeling of personal space and bumping into others is not realistic since the virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact. The danger might increase in settings where clothing is minimal and you can come into touch with that person, including packed parties and clubs.
- The CDC advises keeping possibly contaminated things, such as bedding, clothing, and towels, in a restricted area until you have time to wash your laundry, if you have been exposed. While cleaning, make sure to constantly wash your hands with soap and water and to throw away any cleaning supplies.
- Keeping up with the virus's spread in your neighborhood is another method to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Check the CDC map, which displays instances of monkeypox by state, and local and state health agency notifications to accomplish this.
- The large number of monkeypox cases are sexually transmitted, although the CDC warns that scientists are still trying to figure out whether the virus may be found in semen, vaginal fluids, and faeces. The risk of catching the virus should be openly discussed by those who engage in sexual activity, and you should also advise your partner or partners to do the same.
- Pregnant Women who are preparing to deliver a baby are urged to talk with their doctor about how to reduce the risk of passing the virus to the unborn child. The WHO is concerned that among infected people, there may be an increased risk of premature deliveries, pregnancy loss, and stillbirths.
Who requires treatment?
Your doctor will advise you if you test positive for monkeypox. According to the WHO, the virus should run its course and symptoms should go away on their own within two to four weeks without the need for treatment.
Here is some advice from the WHO if you have any of the warning signs:
- Do not itch your skin.
- Keep the skin exposed and dry.
- Sanitize your infected skin
- Take warm baths
- Use a saltwater rinse for oral lesions
Is Monkeypox A.2 strain deadly?
In extreme cases, patients may face complications that can include:
- Face, arm, and leg scars that are quite deep
- Vision loss
- Various infections
- In rare situations, death
Health Ministry Releases Some Do’s and Don’t
Dos To Save Yourself From Monkeypox
- Keep the sick individual away from other people.
- Use soap and water to wash your hands.
- Apply hand sanitizer.
- When you are close to an infected individual, put on a mask and some disposable gloves.
- By applying disinfectants, maintain environmental sanitation
Don'ts You Must Follow To Limit The Spread Of The Monkeypox
- Don't exchange towels or bedding with someone who has the monkeypox.
- Avoid using the laundry of a non-infected person to wash the soiled sheets or towels of an infected individual.
- Avoid going to public places if you have monkeypox symptoms.
Can Pets And Animals Contract The Monkeypox Virus?
Monkeypox is zoonotic, which means it may transmit from animals to people, according to CDC data. However, the CDC does not believe that dogs and other animals are at a particularly high risk from monkeypox.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is typically treated without the use of medications. Most infected individuals will recover within a few weeks without medical attention because the sickness is often mild. However, other nations already employ vaccinations that can be used to stop epidemics of monkeypox. For individuals who become really ill from the virus, there are therapies available. The smallpox immunizations also protect against monkeypox due to a phenomenon known as cross-protection. Despite the fact that smallpox was eradicated from the world in 1980, several nations continue to stockpile the vaccine in case of crises. If administered prior to exposure to the virus, the smallpox vaccination can prevent infection with the monkeypox virus up to 85% of the time.
